Monday, May 29, 2017

Monday, May 29: SNIP Collier Memorial Day 5K. 8 a.m., 8004 Trail Blvd, Naples (next to Longhorn Steakhouse). Enjoy a wonderful 5K race that showcases the beautiful streets of Pine Ridge. This course will start and end at The Crust Restaurant. (gcrunner.org)

Monday, May 29: Sandoval 5K. 6 a.m., 2573 Sandoval Pkwy, Cape Coral. This 5K Run/Walk is in the Sandoval Community, starting at the club house and running through the beautiful palm tree lined neighborhood streets. It is intended for all ages, all levels of fitness! (3dracinginc.com)

Ongoing: Join the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club on one of their many weekly rides for members and potential members, with an array of paces and routes to choose from. Check them out online at www.caloosariders.org.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Yes, that last lingering cool front has blown away and summertime temps are here to stay.

Actually, this next stretch is worse than summer for temperatures. Until the regular summer rains kick in, there’s nothing to cut the afternoon heat… so heat indexes can be through the roof in late May and June.

If you like to ride, run or walk outside, how can you keep your cool (or some approximation thereof) until next October? It means making some adjustments:

Adjust your body. Work on staying active even as the temperatures rise. Your body will be better acclimated to the higher heat and humidity, and better able to cope with the stresses that brings.

Adjust your expectations. The workout you did in January won’t work in June, at least for most people. Experts recommend you exercise by exertion, not pace, adjusting your efforts to compensate for the toll heat takes on your body.

Adjust your route. Look for shade, avoid dark road surfaces (which radiate heat) if possible. Also check the wind direction… finishing your exercise heading into the wind will cool you off when you need it the most.

Adjust your timing. Get out early to beat the worst of the day’s heat, or go out late (very late if you going to let he built-up heat dissipate).

Adjust your hydration. Not only should you drink more, but include more than water to replace lost electrolytes. There are a number of ways to determine how much you need to consume to keep your body in balance… try them, since too little or too much hydration can cause trouble.

Adjust your location. Some days, the heat wins. If it’s just too hot to handle, or if the weather and your schedule won’t sync, head indoors (boring but temperature controlled) or head for the water (to swim, run in the pool, or just cool down after exertion).

The only upside? Those crowded bike lanes or shared use paths from last winter will be yours (mostly) alone to enjoy this summer.

No action on texting

Another legislative session, another whiff on efforts to make “no texting while driving” a more enforceable effort. Despite a number of bills working to elevate texting while driving to a primary offense (meaning you can be stopped and ticketed for it), state lawmakers failed to pass any of them (or even get them out of committee).

Yes, there is a statute banning texting while driving on the books, passed in 2013. But it makes the violation a secondary offense… meaning the driver must have done something else illegal (the primary offense) to then be cited for texting while driving. This leaves law enforcement with no recourse to respond to a distracted driver until they do something really wrong… such as hitting a pedestrian or cyclist.

In a perfect world, drivers would understand that being distracted while directing a large and heavy vehicle down the road isn’t a good plan. They’d put their phones away at least until said vehicle is fully stopped, and we wouldn’t need a law to make them drive right.

But this world is far from perfect... and, judging by the weaving and wandering too many driver of too many vehicles allow as they motor down the highway, it will take a primary and enforceable law to get their attention.

Maybe next year? Given the Legislature’s lack of attention, maybe not.

Both? Still time to sign up for the Naples Junior Triathlon (kids only) June 3 (gcrunner.org) or the Fitness Challenge Reverse Tri in Naples June 4 (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com). Down the road? The American Spring triathlon/duathlon in Naples July 2 (elitevents.org) and the Englewood YMCA Spring Tri in Englewood July 8 (www.swflymca.org/programs/englewood-triathlon). Also, registration is open for the Galloway Captiva Tri Sept. 9-10… spaces are limited and the kid’s races usually fill up first, so don’t miss out.

Tell us about your ride:

Have a favorite route you like to bike, or a unique walk you’d like to share with others? Tell us about it at info@bikewalklee.org, and maybe we can feature it in an upcoming column.

# # #

Ken Gooderham writes this on behalf of BikeWalkLee, a community coalition raising public awareness and advocating for complete streets in Lee County — streets that are designed, built, operated and maintained for safe and convenient travel for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Information, statistics and background online at www.BikeWalkLee.org.

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Do you want to make Estero Parkway a model complete street that demonstrates how one roadway can be redesigned to make it safer for all road users, esp. pedestrians and cyclists? If so, we need you to participate NOW in the Estero Parkway Improvement project getting underway in the Village of Estero, first by completing the Village's online survey about some of the options.

The Village of Estero is moving forward with plans to improve safety on Estero Parkway for all modes of transportation including vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians and are looking for your input. On May 22nd, the Village website posted the following message.

You may use this page to fill out the Resident Input Survey, prioritizing your selections for layout of the road, bike paths and landscaping. (link to Survey)

In addition, you may read about previous meetings where the project was discussed, see dates of upcoming meetings, review public presentations and, once the project has started, review the timeline for project completion.

Estero Parkway was selected as the Village’s first capital improvement project due to safety concerns with this heavily traveled road which has deteriorating pavement, missing sidewalks and a lack of bike paths.

Before starting this important project, the Village wants to hear how residents would prioritize the improvements to this major roadway.

The Village wants to make sure the community is engaged in the overall planning process as this project will set a precedent for upcoming projects

If there is any information you would like to see included regarding this project, please call 239-221-5035 or send an email to publicworks@estero-fl.gov.

Background

In March, at a Village Council workshop, council members reviewed the staff's proposed approach for developing the Estero Parkway Improvement project. BikeWalkLee sent a letter to the Village Council recommending a holistic complete streets approach for planning Estero Pkwy improvements, rather than the staff's proposed approach of treating as separate projects--the road, the off-road bike/ped facilities, and beautification ((landscaping, signage, and lighting). To create a complete street, all these components are part of the whole and must be designed together.

"To create a "complete street" all these components are part of the whole and must be designed together. For example, roadway medians and landscaping designs are tools for traffic calming, not just aesthetics. In order for landscaping to enhance the safety of the roadway for all users, the choice of type of vegetation and its location need to be safety-driven. To determine the best mix of tools for traffic calming, all the tools--hardscape, streetscape, and landscape--must be considered together throughout the design process. "" Streets play an enormous role in determining a place's quality of life. While people may not know the term "complete street", they know the characteristics of their favorite streets-- streets with tree canopy and attractive landscaping; safe, comfortable and shady places to walk and bike buffered from traffic; moderate traffic speeds, safe ways to cross the street, and inviting places to be for all kinds of uses. The holistic and integrated planning of a roadway (the entire right-of-way public space) is context sensitive and reflects balance among the needs of the various users."

Although no formal action was taken by the Council, the implementation plan as presented at the March meeting has proceeded, meaning that the 3 components of the project (road, off road bike/ped, and beautification) are not being designed together. At the May 17th Council meeting the project consultant made a presentation on only the road project, including various options for the width of travel lanes and bike lanes. BikeWalkLee is pleased to see that Alternative 3 (11 foot travel lanes and 7 foot bike lanes) reflects FDOT's new Complete Streets Policy. (See consultant presentation)

BWL’s Estero rep Doug Saxton sent an email to the Village Council and Village Manager on May 22nd (link email) articulating our concerns and questions about how this project is being designed and asked that there be an opportunity for an evening public interactive workshop to get input on the various alternatives under consideration.

While we are pleased to see the Village following FDOT's new complete streets design standards for bike lanes, a complete streets approach would be holistic--considering how all the pieces interact (roadway, shared use path, landscaping, traffic calming, etc.) and choosing the package that best meets the goals of safety for all users and for connectivity purposes. If Alternative 3 is chosen as the choice for resurfacing and striping of the road, what is the impact on that choice for the options to be considered for the shared use path? Does it rule out the option of a linear park? Does it imply less landscaping buffer, etc.? Does it preclude roundabouts? What options does it foreclose with respect to crosswalks and traffic calming treatments? If the iterative planning approach isn't modified, can this roadway decision be modified once the alternatives for shared use paths are considered? And same question regarding landscaping? Will there be an opportunity to make this a model complete street even if you don't take the needed holistic approach? Complete Village's Online Survey
Your opinion matters. It is important that Village Council and staff hear from citizens that there is a desire for a complete street approach on Estero Pkwy. It is also important to realize that this is not just about Estero Pkwy. --the design of Estero Parkway will serve as the template for future road roadway projects in the Village.

BikeWalkLee encourages you to fill out this online survey, which asked you to vote on several options. Because no explanation for any of these options are provided, we suggest that you read both the March and May BWL letters before you fill out the survey. While there are options for the width of the bike lanes, there are no options presented on the off-road bike/ped facilities (sidewalk, shared use path, linear park). As you review the options, please consider all users of the road, whether you are strictly a driver or you would love to bike and/or walk if you had a safe environment. The context of Complete Streets is that everyone is far safer when we each have our own space on the road.

There are also a series of questions asking you to rank order your interest in 4 criteria:

Safety

Beautification/landscaping

Cost

Speed of project completion

Clearly, BikeWalkLee places the highest priority on safety.

At the end, there is a section inviting your questions/comments/concerns, which we encourage you to fill out, since so much is lacking from this survey. Below are some additional thoughts for your consideration:

• The public should be solicited for input once the entire project has been presented and only after everyone has had a chance to see the options and talk to consultants at public workshop.

• Note: Three Oaks Pkwy is already 11’ with a speed limit of 45 mph. Narrowing the travel lanes on Estero Pkwy will not affect the capacity or speed limit.

• Wide bike lane 6-7’ to accommodate bicyclists that prefer to ride along the road for added visibility.

• Wide shared use path (off the road) of 10-12’ or linear park to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

• Other traffic calming measures such as roundabouts and landscaping. Potential roundabout locations on Estero Pkwy are:
• Cypress View and the Rookery community
• The Reserve and Cascades communities
• Walmart entrance/exit onto Estero Pkwy
• Street lighting for safety for those that bike or walk at night

Please share this with your friends utilizing any and all forms of social media so we can get the word out to people who live, work, or play in Estero, including FGCU students and facility. You may also wish to send a letter to the Village Manager and/or Village Council members about your ideas and/or concerns related to the Estero Parkway Improvement project. (Steven Sarkozy: sarkozy@estero-fl.gov)

It is unclear what the next steps in the project are, but we'll keep you posted as soon as we hear about them. If you have any questions, please contact Doug Saxton: dpsaxton100@gmail.com.

Monday, May 22, 2017

Kudos to the collaboration of the City of Bonita Springs, the Naples Pathways Coalition (NPC), and Blue Zones of SWFL for adopting NPC's safety tip card. Below is NPC's May Newsletter story.NPC Notes May 2017

The City of Bonita Springs and Blue Zones Adopt NPC Safety Tip Card

If you haven't been down Old 41 in Bonita Springs, you have to go. They are doing a remarkable job of implementing Complete Streets/Blue Zones planning that is making the city livable and safe for bicyclists and pedestrians as well as motorists. They are always on the lookout for good ideas, and NPC had one they liked.

When Scott Schnappauf, a member of the city's Bicycle Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee, came across NPC's Safety Tip Card for bicyclists and motorists he thought it was a great educational tool and shared it with his group. Rather than reinvent they wheel, the committee suggested a collaboration. Jessica Crane, Community Policy Lead for Blue Zones was instrumental in bringing together Bonita Springs Environmental Specialist and Sustainability Coordinator Sean Gibbons and NPC Executive Director Beth Brainard to seal the deal.

The results is a co-branded card that is being distributed in Lee as well as Collier County. It offers safety tips to motorists on one side and bicyclists on the other in a quick, easy to read format. To date, more than 100,000 cards have been distributed physically and virtually.

NPC welcomes collaboration with other municipalities and neighborhoods. For information about co-branding, contact Beth Brainard (bethbraianrd@naplespathways.org).

Monday, May 29: SNIP Collier Memorial Day 5K. 8 a.m., 8004 Trail Blvd, Naples (next to Longhorn Steakhouse). Enjoy a wonderful 5K race that showcases the beautiful streets of Pine Ridge. This course will start and end at The Crust Restaurant. (gcrunner.org)

Monday, May 29: Sandoval 5K. 6 a.m., 2573 Sandoval Pkwy, Cape Coral. This 5K Run/Walk is in the Sandoval Community, starting at the club house and running through the beautiful palm tree lined neighborhood streets. It is intended for all ages, all levels of fitness! (3dracinginc.com)

Friday, May 5: SW Florida Critical Mass ride. A family-friendly slow ride through Fort Myers starting at 7:15 p.m. Front and rear bike lights required. Grab your helmet, bring all your friends and meet in the open field next to Publix at First Street Village, 2160 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. (twitter.com/swflcm or meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)

Ongoing: Join the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club on one of their many weekly rides for members and potential members, with an array of paces and routes to choose from. Check them out online at www.caloosariders.org.

Monday, May 15, 2017

Ride of Silence on May 17th--Fort Myers and Sanibel

Join one of the two local Ride of Silence
events (Fort Myers and Sanibel) this Wed. evening May 17th to honor fallen cyclists and promote
road safety.

Previous Ride of Silence, Fort Myers

What began in 2003 in Dallas as a spontaneous
outpouring of grief for a friend and fellow rider, struck and killed by
the mirror of a passing vehicle, has rolled across the globe to become
an international annual event memorializing and honoring cyclists who
have been injured and killed while riding. The Ride of Silence is a
worldwide event, with almost all USA States participating, along with 22
other countries.

The many hundreds of events share the same goals: "To honor fallen cyclists, to promote road safety, and to make a difference."

Bike
safety is not a fleeting issue, especially here in Florida which ranks
as the very worst in the nation for cyclist safety, with the highest
fatality rate for ten years in a row.

In 2016, 9 cyclists were killed
in Lee County crashes, in 2015, 4 cyclists were killed, and in 2017 to
date, there has been one.

The
Ride of Silence, in memorializing riders injured and killed, seeks to
draw motorist's attention to cyclist's legal rights to full use of the
roadways, to inform motorists that we are here, to watch for us--as if
our lives depended on it. Please come out to show your support and send
the message that we deserve our right to operate on our own roads. We
are not just bike riders, but friends and neighbors and we must all
Share the Road.

Ghost bike on Sanibel Causeway

Locally there are TWO Rides of Silence planned--downtown Fort Myers and Sanibel.

Fort Myers Ride of Silence: Sponsored by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club

Sanibel Ride of Silence: Sponsored by the Sanibel Bicycle Club in partnership with Matzaluna Restaurant and Billy's Bikes.

Gathering for Sanibel ride at Matzaluna's

Riders are encouraged to arrive at 6:15 p.m. at Matzaluna Restaurant (1200 Periwinkle Way) for a short educational program.

At 7:00 p.m. promptly the ride will leave Matzaluna's, down
Periwinkle Way to the Sanibel Causeway. The ride will cross over the
first 2 bridges of the causeway, do the turnaround under the main span,
and return to Matzaluna (approximately 7 miles round trip).

Helmets required for all riders and front and tail lights are required if you plan to ride your bike home after dinner.

Saturday May 20: Cape Cops 5K. 6:30 a.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Parkway. The race begins and ends at Cape Coral Yacht Club. The course takes you through surrounding neighborhoods. Refreshments will be served following the race. Proceeds from this event will be used to assist families of fallen and injured officers. (ftmyerstrackclub.com)

Wednesday, May 17: Ride of Silence, 7:00 p.m., arrive by 6:45 p.m. Centennial Park, downtown Fort Myers. Cyclists will ride in a silent, funeral-style procession at 10-12 mph for 8 miles tohonor those who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. The Ride of Silence is a worldwide event. Riders are requested to wear black arm bands (red if they have personally been injured in a cycling versus motor vehicle accident). Everyone welcome, free of charge. No registration necessary. Helmets are required, no headphones please. (caloosariders.org)

Friday, May 5: SW Florida Critical Mass ride. A family-friendly slow ride through Fort Myers starting at 7:15 p.m. Front and rear bike lights required. Grab your helmet, bring all your friends and meet in the open field next to Publix at First Street Village, 2160 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. (twitter.com/swflcm or meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)

Ongoing: Join the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club on one of their
many weekly rides for members and potential members, with
an array of paces and routes to choose from. Check them out
online at www.caloosariders.org.

We estimate there are 10 on the southwest coast who could hold this title, men and women from various walks or bike-trails of life, but the champion, the most vocal, consistent and tireless advocate for better, safer bicycle and pedestrian trails is Darla Letourneau. Ms. Letourneau, a longtime Sanibel resident and cofounder with Dan Moser of BikeWalkLee, has spent thousands of hours promoting the rights and BEST interests of any who take to pedal or foot, with huge results over time. Hundreds of miles of additional trails or enhanced safety precautions at dangerous intersections — not to mention a wider public knowledge that bicycles have the same rights in traffic as motor vehicles — exist in large part as a result of her lobbying. A retired “budget guru” and one-time deputy assistant secretary of labor in Washington, she’s a force for the good on the Southwest coast.

BEST ROAD INTERSECTION DESIGNED BY A 9-YEAR-OLD

Veronica Shoemaker Boulevard and Colonial Boulevard Making a left turn from Veronica Shoemaker Boulevard heading east on Colonial Boulevard is not for the faint of heart. There’s no left turn signal and two lanes of traffic are coming at you from Plantation Road, across the street. You have to stick your nose out in the middle of the intersection and hope the cars in the far-right lane on Plantation are turning right, then you can dive for the left lane on Colonial and hope you’re faster. It’s downright scary. Maybe the engineer who designed it will come back and fix it after he finishes fifth grade.

BEST PLACE TO BIKE SLOW AND EASY

Sanibel Island The J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a spectacular five-mile stretch of paved road with a 15 MPH speed limit. You’ll see tons migrating birds and the ever-present alligators on the scenic ride. But really any of the miles of bike paths on Sanibel are exceptional.

BEST PLACE TO BIKE FAST

Treeline Avenue, which turns in to Ben Hill Griffin Parkway in Estero, gets our nod. It’s 13 miles of relatively new highway with adequate bike lanes and few stop lights. You can really get on that big crank and make some wind. For a great group ride, hook up with the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club. It holds group rides at various paces nearly every day.

BEST SIGN OF CONFUSION

This road sign on Westlinks Drive in Gateway says the right lane ends and you should merge left. However, the painted sign on the road says the left lane ends and you should merge right. OK, which way do I go? The traffic engineer who thought up this gem must have slept though road sign class.

BEST COUNTY DEPARTMENT

Lee County Parks and RecreationForget budgetary priorities of “core services” such as police and fire. We all need places to throw a baseball to our kids and walk a trail among the cypress trees. Lee County Parks & Recreation oversees the tiniest neighborhood parks to the longest linear ones, with Lakes Regional Park as its Central Park equivalent. Beach access and Conservation 20/20 preserves showcase the county’s green side at a minimal fee for visitors. The stadiums in which the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox play bring America’s favorite pastime here each spring. Kids splash in four year-round pools and attend dozens of summer camps with affordable fees. All playgrounds are ADA accessible. Little extras — fragrance gardens, train villages, fitness centers and canoe and kayak trails — dot Lee County. No matter what the economy does to us, we all have a peaceful place to reflect and recreate, thanks to this department.

BEST OFF-ROAD BIKINGCaloosahatchee Regional ParkCaloosahatchee Regional Park in Lee County offers about 10 miles that are more suited to the intermediate level rider. The trails are well marked and they have enough twists and turns to keep even the expert trail rider interested.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Sometimes silence speaks louder than words… at least that’s the hope of the Ride of Silence.

The Fort Myers Ride of Silence is
Wednesday, May 17, starting at
7 p.m. from Centennial Park in
downtown Fort Myers.

What began in 2003 in Dallas as a spontaneous outpouring of grief for a friend and fellow rider, struck and killed by the mirror of a passing vehicle, has rolled across the globe to become an international annual event memorializing and honoring cyclists who have been injured and killed while riding. The Ride of Silence is a worldwide event; in 2016, 445 events were held in 50 states, 48 countries, and seven continents

All these events share the same goals: "To honor fallen cyclists, to promote road safety, and to make a difference."

Bike safety is not a fleeting issue, especially here in Florida which ranks as the very worst in the nation for cyclist safety, with the highest fatality rate for 10 years in a row. In 2016, nine cyclists were killed in Lee County crashes; in 2015, four cyclists were killed; and, in 2017 to date, there has been one.

There will be two Rides of Silence in Lee County, both May 17:

The Fort Myers ride leaves at 7 p.m. from Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers, for an eight-mile ride at 10-12 mph.

The Sanibel ride also leaves at 7 p.m. from Matzaluna Restaurant, 1200 Periwinkle Way, for a slow seven-mile ride out and back on the Sanibel Causeway, turning around under the high bridge. There will be a short educational program beginning at 6:15 p.m. for interested riders, and Matzaluna will provide discounted food and drink for all riders.

Riders are requested to wear black armbands (or red if they have personally been injured in a cycling vs. motor vehicle accident.) Helmets are required, no headphones please, and lights required if you’re riding home after dark. Everyone welcome, free of charge. No registration necessary.

On a less somber note, Bike to Work Week is May 15-19, with Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 19 (check bikewalklee.blogspot.com for events).

In other news…

LeeTran wants your input on improving the downtown intermodal center, and is holding a listening session on May 16 to hear your thoughts.

LeeTran invites you to stop by the Rosa Parks Transportation Center. 2255 Widman Way in Fort Myers, 1-5 p.m. on next Tuesday to discuss elements that you would like to see at the center. The expansion project includes planning and construction to improve circulation and alleviate congestion, improve security for transit operations, and expand and improve connections for bicycles, pedestrians and access for those with limited mobility. Current considerations include locked bicycle storage, increased bus capacity, additional indoor amenities, etc.

For more information, contact Kris Cella, Public Information Consultant, at (239) 337-1071 or kcella@cella.cc.

Meanwhile, if you want to learn about the cycling opportunities in other areas of our country, check out “Pedal America,” which will air on WGCU’s Create Channel (202 on cable) beginning Sunday, May 14, at 9 a.m. The first episode spotlights Austin, TX, with subsequent ones looking at Savannah and Chicago. Or you can check out more episodes online at www.iradavidspedalamerica.com/joomla/

Ready to ride or run?

Run? Saturday, head to the beach for the Lovers Key Turtle Trot 5K (ftmyerstrackclub.com). Sunday, it’s the Holly Morgan Fisher Memorial 5K XC Trail Run at North Port High School (3dracinginc.com). Then on May 20, run over to the Cape Cops 5K at Cape Coral Yacht Club (ftmyerstrackclub.com).

Ride? Critical Mass rides tomorrow night (Northeast Lee at 7:30 p.m.), Saturday (Sanibel at 7:30 p.m.), May 19 (Estero at 7:30 p.m.), and May 20 (a new LaBelle Slow Roll, meets at 9 a.m. at 71 South Lee Street). For night rides lights are required; Helmets recommend for all riders, and required for those age 16 or under. Details at http://www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/.
Both? Still time to sign up for the Cape Coral Sprint Tri this Saturday, May 13 (capecoral.net), or the Fitness Challenge Reverse Tri in Naples June 14 (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com). Also, registration is open for the Galloway Captiva Tri Sept. 9-10… spaces are limited and the kid’s races usually fill up first, so don’t miss out.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RIDE:

Have a favorite route you like to bike, or a unique walk you’d like to share with others? Tell us about it at info@bikewalklee.org, and maybe we can feature it in an upcoming column.

# # #

Ken Gooderham writes this on behalf of BikeWalkLee, a community coalition raising public awareness and advocating for complete streets in Lee County — streets that are designed, built, operated and maintained for safe and convenient travel for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Information, statistics and background online at www.BikeWalkLee.org.

A newspaper article recently reported a 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics American Time Use Survey stated, “On average, Americans spend 95 percent of their time indoors.”

What? That can’t be true, can it? Even taking into account bad weather in many parts of the country for extended periods, wouldn’t places like Florida and other Sunbelt locations negate some of the time spent indoors due to harsh climate?

My disbelief was similar to a statistic I happened upon years ago indicating the average daily distance walked by Americans was less than ¼ mile. Only ¼ mile? Walking to the bathroom, refrigerator and mailbox would add up to more, so how could that be? A recent study, though, by the American College of Sports Medicine (acsm.org) estimated the current distance to be 2½ miles, about half the minimum distance Centers for Disease Control suggests one should cover each day.

A sunset view from the Edison Bridge. It’s one of the few major bridges with pedestrian access in Lee County.

Getting back to the time spent outdoors, 5 percent equates to 1.2 hours daily. Assuming sleep and indoor downtime just prior and after sleeping takes 12 hours from a 24-hour time period that makes it closer to 10 percent of practical time. Looking at it that way makes it less astonishing than at first glance, but still less than I’d expect to be the case for anyone who’s not hindered by serious health conditions or mobility limitations.

As is the case with so many suburban-style American communities, Lee County has a very low percentage of population that walks, use bicycles or take transit to work or for other practical purposes.

This fact limits potential outdoor physical activity that would occur merely by the daily act of getting around. The allure of air-conditioned comfort also entices many to exercise indoors, walking on treadmills and cycling on spinning bikes rather in the elements. But even taking those reasons and many others into account doesn’t seem significant enough to end up with the 1.2-hour average.

A few examples come to mind that make it even harder to buy into the statistic. Workers such as landscapers, road workers and roofers may spend eight hours of a 24-hour period under the sun. Letter carriers and delivery vehicle drivers are frequently in and out of their vehicles, perhaps spending one-third of their shift in the direct elements. Many office workers walk to lunch or take breaks outdoors, sometimes sneaking out for an exercise walk. Other than kids who are chauffeured by their parents, students going to and from school — as well as while in physical education classes, recess, and extracurricular sports — spend significant time outside. Anyone who runs or walks for fitness or recreation will spend anywhere from 30 minutes or more on that activity alone, not counting warm-up and cool-down time; the same goes for cyclists.

Folks with swimming pools and who enjoy the beach all do so outdoors. And what about the many golfers in our area? At least locally, it seems like the average of 1.2 hours a day outside seems extremely low.

The survey looked only at employed individuals between 25 and 54 years of age and who had children so such a study group would have a significant effect on the outcome; having childless folks, kids and retirees excluded as subjects likely reduced the average amount of time spent outdoors to well below what would be the case if those groups were part of the study.

As I looked even further into the study I found other elements and facts that make it difficult to substantiate the 1.2-hour statistic, even when based only on that study group. That being the case, I have to conclude the average American spends much less than 22.8 hours indoors. Hopefully the current positive fitness and physical activity trends will continue so that remains the case.

Healthy Lee is working to help make that trend not only endure but improve with its latest challenge, the 5210 Plan. The numbers stand for 5 vegetables and fruits a day; no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time (computers, TV and other electronic devices) a day; at least 1 hour of physical activity per day; and 0 sugary beverages each day. Details and more information about this four-month challenge can be found at healthylee.com and bikewalklee.blogspot.com. ¦

- Dan Moser is a long-time bicycle/pedestrian advocate and traffic safety professional who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com and 334-6417.

Ongoing: Join the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club on one of their many weekly rides for members and potential members, with an array of paces and routes to choose from. Check them out online at www.caloosariders.org.

Friday, May 5, 2017

Fort Myers, FL,May 5, 2017– LeeTran is proposing to enhance and expand the existing downtown intermodal center, which is called the Rosa Parks Transportation Center. The project includes planning and construction to improve circulation and alleviate congestion, improve security for transit operations, and expand and improve connections for bicycles, pedestrians and access for those with limited mobility.

The LeeTran team invites you to stop by the Rosa Parks Transportation Center between1 and 5 p.m.onTuesday, May 16, to discuss elements that you would like to see at the center. Current considerations include locked bicycle storage, increased bus capacity, additional indoor amenities, etc.

For more information about this project, contact Kris Cella, Public Information Consultant, Cella Molnar and Associates Inc.(239) 337-1071orkcella@cella.cc.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Kudos
to FDOT for delivering on a major milestone of its Complete Streets Implementation
Plan--issuance of a draft FDOT Design Manual to replace its current Plans
Preparation Manual.In addition, the
Department has prepared a Draft Complete Streets Handbook to accompany the new
FDOT Design Manual.Highlighting the
national significance of this FDOT project, last week the team leader of the project, DeWayne
Carver, State Complete Streets Program Manager for FDOT, received a national
award for this effort. (See Congress of New Urbanism
(CNU) Transect CodesCouncil Honor FDOT's DeWayne Carver with Groves Award.)

DeWayne Carver

BackgroundSince FDOT announced its Complete Streets
Policy in 2014, FDOT has worked to transform the way FDOT designs roads and conducts business .The goal of FDOT's Policy and Complete
Streets Implementation Plan (2015) is to "provide safer,
context-sensitive roads by putting the right street in the right place."[1000
Friends of Florida 2/12/16 Webinar Description.] The highly acclaimed
Implementation Plan outlines plans for updating the key manuals and guidance
that FDOT engineers use to design roads.The accompanying Complete Streets Handbook was not part of the plan, but
has been developed as an interim document with guidance to FDOT and local
partners. The Plan called for full implementation by the end of 2017.

FDOT
Complete Streets Handbook and Design Manual

Last week FDOT issued the draft
Complete Streets Handbook and the draft FDOT Design Manual.The FDOT Design Manual is the "meat and
potatoes" of the Implementation Plan. Both the Handbook and the FDOT Design Manual
focus on the state road system.The
Handbook describes the approach and
process that FDOT will use to plan state roadways in consultation with local
agencies where those state roads exist. The significant change is the
introduction of a Context Classification System focused on the context of the
street as part of the total picture, rather than “just” the roadway.

In "planners lingo", the
Context Classification System generally aligns with the New Urbanist(TM) Transect System. This planning tool will evaluate land use
characteristics, development patterns, and roadway connectivity to determine
the context classification for each state roadway project at the front-end of
the planning and project development process.

While these two important documents
were developed for state engineers and planners dealing with the state roadway
system, the new Context Classification System can be considered by local jurisdictions
on county and local roads, and is especially appropriate for jurisdictions that have
adopted complete streets policies (which includes 5 policies in Lee County).

The FDOT Context Classification System takes
the complete streets holistic approach of the context of the whole area (land
use as well as transportation).

The guidance in both the Handbook and
the Design Guide will be reflected in the update of the Florida Greenbook (which
is a milestone in the Implementation Plan), scheduled to be undertaken in
2018.The Florida Greenbook directly
applies to local governments.Local
jurisdictions should take a close look at the Draft FDOT Design Manual and
Complete Streets Handbook to better understand some of the changes coming our
way.

About BikeWalkLee Blog

This is the official Blog for BikeWalkLee.org. BikeWalkLee is a community coalition raising public awareness and advocating for complete streets in Lee County -- streets that are designed, built, operated and maintained for safe and convenient travel for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities.